In spring, the beautiful cherry blossoms bloom in full glory, enveloping the whole city in a festive atmosphere. Nara Prefecture has many places where you can enjoy cherry blossoms, such as historic temples and shrines, castle ruins, and mountains rich in nature.

So, this time we will introduce 5 recommended cherry blossom viewing spots in Nara. We will also introduce surrounding tourist spots, so you can enjoy the history and culture unique to Nara along with the cherry blossoms.

Nara Park

Nara Park is one of Japan's leading tourist destinations, with around 1,300 wild deer living there and rows of historic temples, shrines and buildings. In spring, around 1,700 cherry trees bloom, and the park has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots." In particular, the Nara-endemic variety, "Nara no Kokonoezakura," colors the foot of Mount Wakakusa, creating a spectacular carpet of petals when in full bloom.

In addition, the cherry blossoms reflected in the pond around Ukimido add a touch of elegance, and the nighttime illumination creates a fantastic atmosphere. Another attraction unique to Nara Park is the chance to encounter deer relaxing under the cherry blossoms.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to late April

location

Kasugano-cho, Nara City, etc.

Access methods

About 5 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line

Saho River

The Saho River, which runs through Nara City, is a historic river that was even mentioned in the Manyoshu. Cherry blossom trees line both banks for about 5km, and when in full bloom, the surface of the river is dyed a pale pink. The "Kawaji Sakura", which is said to have been planted by Nara Magistrate Kawaji Seimo at the end of the Edo period, is a 170-year-old tree that remains and is carefully protected by local people.

During the spring "Cherry Blossom Festival," night illuminations and floating lanterns create a fantastical atmosphere. This is a hidden gem where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing at your leisure while feeling the history of Nara.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

Horencho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture

Access methods

About 10 minutes walk from Kintetsu "Shin-Omiya Station"

Takada Senbonzakura

Takada Senbonzakura, one of Nara Prefecture's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, is a spectacular row of cherry trees that stretches for about 2.5 km along both banks of the Takada River that runs through Yamatotakada City. In spring, about 1,200 Somei-yoshino and Yamazakura cherry trees, planted by volunteer citizens in 1948, create a magnificent tunnel of cherry blossoms.

It's rare to see such a long line of cherry blossom trees in the middle of a city, and the combination of the train and the cherry blossoms is a popular photo spot. As dusk falls, lanterns are lit up, creating a fantastic nighttime view of the cherry blossoms. It's easily accessible and a great spot to enjoy spring scenery.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

Onaka Park and Takada River area, Onaka, Yamatotakada City, Nara Prefecture

Access methods

About 10 minutes walk from Takadaichi Station on the Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line

About 13 minutes walk from Yamatotakada Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line

Approximately 13 minutes walk from Takada Station on the JR Sakurai Line or Wakayama Line

Koriyama Castle Ruins Park

Koriyama Castle Ruins Park in Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture, is a famous spot that combines history and cherry blossoms and was selected as one of the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan." Approximately 800 cherry trees bloom in full glory around the castle ruins, and they are also known as "Gotenzakura." From the observation facility on the castle tower, you can get a panoramic view of the castle ruins dyed in the pink of cherry blossoms, and the beauty is overwhelming.

In addition, gravestones and stone Buddha statues that have been reused remain on the castle's stone walls, and you can enjoy unique scenery such as the "upside-down Jizo." In the spring, the Yamatokoriyama Castle Festival is held, and a period parade and illuminated cherry blossoms at night create a fantastic atmosphere. The historic castle ruins and cherry blossoms in full bloom create an atmospheric spring spot.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

Jonaicho, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture

Access methods

About 10 minutes walk from Kintetsu Kashihara Line "Koriyama Station"

Mount Yoshino

Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture is one of Japan's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. Approximately 30,000 mountain cherry trees of 200 different species cover the entire mountain, creating a spectacular sight known as "a thousand cherry trees at a glance." The sight of spring rushing up the mountain, starting with the lower thousand trees at lower altitudes and gradually blooming, then moving on to the Naka Senbon, Kami Senbon, and Oku Senbon, is a spectacular sight.

Mount Yoshino is a World Heritage Site centered around Kinpusen-ji Temple, a sacred place for Shugendo pilgrimage, and visitors can enjoy the mystical scenery that combines history and nature. In spring, the Yoshinoyama Cherry Blossom Festival is held, and the illuminated cherry blossoms at night are also fantastic. This is one of Japan's most famous spring scenic spots, where cherry blossoms live on alongside history.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to late April

location

Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture

Access methods

Shimosenbon area: About 3 minutes by ropeway from "Yoshino Station" on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line, immediately after getting off at "Yoshinoyama Station"

Nakasenbon area: Take a special bus from Yoshino Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line for about 20 minutes and get off at Nakasenbon Park

Other popular tourist destinations in Nara

We will introduce three popular tourist spots unique to Nara that you can enjoy along with the cherry blossoms.

Naramachi

Naramachi, located right next to Nara Park, is an area overflowing with atmosphere, with townhouses from the Edo period still remaining. The narrow alleys are lined with cafes, restaurants, and craft shops that make use of old-fashioned buildings, and the retro streetscape is combined with a modern flair to create a stylish atmosphere. It is also a popular food spot, so you can enjoy the history and cuisine of Nara while taking a leisurely stroll.

If you get tired of walking, head to the Naramachi Lattice House, a faithful reproduction of an old townhouse. You can tour it for free and experience what life was like back then. It's a unique walking spot in Nara that will make you feel nostalgic.

Omiwa Shrine

Omiwa Shrine in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and the most powerful spot in Nara. It does not have a main hall, but enshrines Mt. Miwa as its sacred object, making it a special place where ancient beliefs still thrive.

Within the shrine grounds, you can find the Meoto Iwa (Couple Rocks) and the Nade Usagi (Pasting Rabbit), which are said to bring good luck in finding love, and you can worship the deity through the Mitsutorii (Three Torii Gates), an Important Cultural Property. You can also climb Mt. Miwa and feel the sacred atmosphere firsthand. The enshrined deity is also worshiped as the god of sake brewing, and the grounds are lined with donated sake barrels. This is a mysterious shrine where ancient beliefs and culture are still passed down to this day.

Mount Wakakusa

Located right next to Nara Park, Mount Wakakusa is a small, grassy mountain about 300 meters above sea level. It is also called "Mikasayama" (three-layered hat) because of its shape resembling three overlapping hats, and you can see deer lazing around here and there on the mountain.

From the summit you can get a panoramic view of Nara cityscape, and the sunset and night view in particular are spectacular, chosen as one of the "New Top Three Night Views of Japan." You can climb up on foot, or access it by car using the Nara Okuyama Driveway. It's a relaxing spot where you can feel the nature and history unique to Nara. If you're sightseeing in Nara, be sure to visit.

summary

Nara has many attractive spots where you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms. You can enjoy cherry blossoms in a variety of landscapes, including historic temples and shrines, castle ruins, and mountains rich in nature. We recommend taking a leisurely stroll under the cherry blossoms during the day, and enjoying the fantastic scenery lit up at night.

You can also enjoy the history and culture of Nara at the surrounding tourist sites. Why not come and experience the charm of Nara to the fullest this spring, along with the cherry blossoms?